How to wear a charcoal suit in spring

One suit, three ways.

Words by Vanessa Richmond

Since the beginning of time, the charcoal suit has been the most versatile. As a homage to its eternal appeal, this spring, we asked three guys to tell us what they like about it, and how they update it for the season.

CHRIS BAIRD

Why he likes it

“It’s darker and dignified like a black suit, without you looking like you’re going to a formal event like a funeral. And somehow, it stands out a bit more than black. Also, I don’t know why, but gray is just my favourite color: it goes with everything.”

How he wears it for spring

“I just like the classic, conservativeness of a charcoal with a solid shirt. Charcoal matches well with a lot of shirt colors, even spring ones, like pastels. I like this shirt because it’s kind of white-green, and like a white shirt, it can go well with almost any kind of tie.”

JORDAN GORDON

Why he likes it

“Every guy just gets a kind of sharper look in a darker suit. I can’t be tall, but at least I can be dark and handsome.”

How he wears it for spring

“Sure, the whole suit-shirt-tie look is really great. But when you see a guy sweating in the hot weather, that look becomes strained rather than effortless. I want to walk through my day feeling effortless and comfortable, so in this weather, that requires a tshirt. There’s an Italian word: Sprezzatura. It means studied carelessness.”

NEIL HAMILTON

Why he likes it

“It’s not just the fact that it’s a multi-season suit, but it’s a multi-purpose suit. You could wear to a formal event like a wedding or cocktail party, and also at a casual party. You can even wear just the jacket with jeans and a graphic tshirt. Different pieces can be worn with anything, anywhere, anytime.”

How he wears it for spring

“Black-on-black is so ‘90s. It’s something we saw on stand-up comedians and the cast of the Matrix, then it died out. It’s much more about contrast now. A bright shirt with a dark suit creates a lot of contrast, and that’s what spring is all about: bright light hitting dark stuff.”

With styling advice by Viranlly Liemena.
Jordan and Chris work in marketing, and Neil is an Indochino Style Guide in our Vancouver Showroom.